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The Organic Gardening Podcast

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Inspiration to help you garden the organic way, with advice, tips and interviews from the UK's leading…

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The Organic Gardening Podcast

About The Organic Gardening Podcast

Inspiration to help you garden the organic way, with advice, tips and interviews from the UK's leading organic gardening organisation, Garden Organic. Hosted by Fiona Taylor and Chris Collins.

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Starting from the beginning? The oldest episode in the feed: S1 Ep1: March - Why organic?.

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Episodes

New episodes usually come out every two weeks.116 episodes
  1. Nov 6, 2026 · 45 min

    S6 Ep15: November - Do you need to get your garden "ready for winter"?

    In this month's podcast, Fiona and Chris chat about how November is far from the end of the gardening season! There's still plenty to get on with even in the colder months including; making leaf mould, creating habitats for beneficial insects and browsing through this years Heritage Seed Library Seed List! Later on in the episode... Emma O'Neill, Head Gardener at Garden Organic, joins Fiona and Chris to answer your…

  2. Oct 23, 2026 · 39 min

    S6 Ep16: A celebration of organic gardening at the Yeo Valley Garden Festival

    Join Fiona Taylor for a special edition of the Organic Gardening Podcast, recorded at the inspiring Yeo Valley Organic Garden Festival. Meet a host of passionate gardening experts, including Yeo Valley's Sarah Mead, Ben Raskin, Georgie Newbery, Nigel Cox, Nicola Hope, Lara Honnor and Lottie Delamain, as they share their ideas, advice and enthusiasm for growing organically.

  3. Oct 9, 2026 · 47 min

    S6 Ep14: October - Get the most out of autumn! Seed saving, storing and soil health.

    In this month's podcast, Fiona and Chris chat about how you can get the most out of autumn. Discover how to save, store and share seeds, look after your compost heap, care for trees after a dry summer and tackle persistent weeds. They also touch on how gardeners can adapt to hotter summers, extend the growing season and choose crops that thrive in changing conditions. Also in this episode... We answer your…

  4. Sep 30, 2026 · 20 min

    S6 Ep13: Celebrating 21 Years of Community Composting in Gloucestershire - With Lesley Greene, Bisley Community Composting

    In this month’s interview episode, Fiona meets Lesley Greene, one of the founders of the Bisley Community Composting Scheme. The scheme is of the UK’s longest-running community composting initiatives. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, Bisley Community Composting have been transforming local organic waste into valuable compost for the community in Gloucestershire for more than two decades. Fiona chats to…

  5. Sep 7, 2026 · 39 min

    S6 Ep12: September - What has this summer taught us about growing?

    This month, Fiona catches up with Chris to reflect on a challenging summer of extreme heat and drought, and what it could mean for the way we garden in the future. They discuss which crops have coped best, how gardeners can adapt what they grow and ways to conserve water and protect soil health. They also explore seed saving, companion planting and using shade to help gardens cope with hotter conditions. Also on…

Earlier episodes (111)
  1. Aug 22, 2026 S6 Ep11: Reaping what she sows - with Nancy Matsumoto
    In this month’s interview, Fiona is joined by agroecology writer Nancy Matsumoto to discuss her book, Reaping What She Sows. The book celebrates women changemakers from around the world who are helping to rebuild our broken food system. From maverick farmers, millers and bakers reviving local grain economies, to brewers, distillers and winemakers regenerating land and ecosystems, as well as Indigenous and diasporic…
  2. Aug 7, 2026 S6 Ep10: August - The driest summer on record! How to mitigate drought in your growing space
    It’s been an incredibly dry summer this year and gardeners country-wide have been dealing with extreme heat and drought conditions. In this month's episode, Chris and Fiona will be chatting about how their gardens & allotment are fairing in the unusually dry weather. They'll also be discussing how to mitigate common problems that have been caused by the prolonged heat. Later on, Anton joins the podcast to answer…
  3. Jul 17, 2026 S6 Ep9: Exploring Ryton Gardens with Kate Turner, 'The Gardening Guru'
    In this month’s Organic Gardening Podcast interview, Fiona Taylor is joined by professional horticulturist and garden consultant Kate Turner. Kate has worked behind the scenes on BBC’s Garden Rescue, ITV’s Love Your Garden and BBC Gardeners’ World. She has also been head gardener at Charterhouse School and worked closely with The Therapy Garden, a thriving horticultural therapy centre in Surrey. In this episode,…
  4. Jul 3, 2026 S6 Ep8: July - We answer your questions at BBC Gardeners' World Live! With August Beth - The Raymond Blanc Gardening School
    In June, we had our own stage at BBC Gardeners World Live, and we answered your questions live! Joined by Hosts Fiona Taylor and Chris Collins, Dr Anton Rosenfeld and special guest August Beth, from the Raymond Blanc Gardening School. We tackled questions on moles, soil improvers and aphids, as well as everyone's favourite subject, slugs and snails!
  5. Jun 25, 2026 S6 Ep7: How we can "Eat The Planet Well" with Dave Goulson
    In this episode, Fiona is joined by biologist, conservationist, and bestselling author Dave Goulson. Known for his work in bumblebee conservation and his Sunday Times bestselling books The Garden Jungle and A Sting in the Tale, Dave returns with his latest book, Eat the Planet Well. In this month's podcast, Dave discusses ethical eating, growing your own food and reducing food waste, as well as how small changes in…
  6. Jun 5, 2026 S6 Ep6: June - There's still time to sow this summer, and why we're calling for a glyphosate ban.
    In this month’s podcast, Fiona and Chris chat about everything happening in the organic garden as summer gets underway. From coping with an unusually dry and unpredictable spring to deciding what can still be sown in June, they share practical advice for making the most of theis part of the growing season. Also in this episode... Our very own Anton Rosenfeld joins the podcast for a deep dive in to glyphosate, one…
  7. May 15, 2026 S6 Ep5: Inside the River Cottage Kitchen Garden with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
    In this episode, Fiona visits the famous River Cottage kitchen garden and chats with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall about the joy of growing your own food, the power of healthy soil, and why gardening matters more than ever. From seed swapping and no-dig gardening to gut health and resilient local food systems, Hugh shares stories from nearly 30 years of growing at River Cottage and reflects on the future of gardening…
  8. May 1, 2026 S6 Ep4: May - Chris's top tips for seed sowing and, your questions answered on starting a new garden, gooseberry bush dilemmas, and converting a garden for food growing
    In this month’s podcast, we’ve launched a new format! Expect the same Organic Growing advice, repackaged so you can enjoy podcasts from us twice a month. In May, Fiona and Chris dive into the wonderful world of seed sowing, including why it’s important not to sow all of your seeds at once, Chris’s top tips to get the best germination and how certain conditions can enable your seeds to get the best start. Also in…
  9. Apr 1, 2026 S6 Ep3: April - How flavourful fruit and veg could transform the food system - with Franco Fubini
    In this month’s podcast, we’re joined by Franco Fubini, CEO and founder of Natoora. Franco tells us how his journey led him to follow the flavour of produce, and how this approach could help encourage sustainable growing and improve food systems worldwide. Also in this episode... Fiona and Chris get excited about seed sowing, and the team answer your questions on saving aubergine seeds, tackling ground elder and…
  10. Mar 3, 2026 S6 Ep2: March - Look After Caterpillars to Save Butterflies, with Dr Richard Fox - Butterfly Conservation
    This month, the Organic Gardening Podcast is joined by Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science from Butterfly Conservation. They discuss the results of last years Big Butterfly Count, why moths deserve just as much attention as butterflies, and how gardeners can adapt their spaces to better support the full butterfly life cycle. Also in this episode… Fiona and Chris share their early-season thoughts as spring approaches,…
  11. Feb 2, 2026 S6 Ep1: February - A deep dive in to the wildlife pond, with Harry Kelsey from WildWater
    This month, Emma speaks to Harry Kelsey from Wildwater about the value of ponds in organic gardens. They explore how ponds support biodiversity, along with practical advice on creating a garden pond, choosing the right location, and keeping it healthy. Also in this episode… Fiona and Chris catch up as anticipation rises for the growing season. They reflect on what worked last year, what didn’t, and how those…
  12. Jan 1, 2026 S5 Ep13: January - Our Guests’ Top Organic Gardening Tips of 2025
    In this episode, we look back on the exciting adventures we had in 2025, from visiting Kate Bradbury in her wildlife-friendly back garden in Brighton to exploring Huw Richards’ experimental permaculture garden in Wales. Along the way, we also spent time in a few unforgettable kitchen gardens, including Helena Dove’s Kitchen Garden at Kew. Across each episode, we’ve asked our guests one simple but powerful question:…
  13. Dec 3, 2025 S5 Ep12: December - Caring for garden bats with Jo Ferguson - Bat Conservation Trust
    This month, Chris chats with Jo Ferguson, Built Environment Manager at The Bat Conservation Trust. Jo has been involved in Bat conservation for over 15 years, and specialises in urban ecology and enhancing the built environment for bats. She shares why bats are important to the ecosystem, and how you can look after bats in urban gardens. Also in this episode... We’re reflecting on the triumphs of the 2025 gardening…
  14. Nov 4, 2025 S5 Ep11: November - The botany of the kitchen garden with Helena Dove
    This month, we’re celebrating the slow beauty of autumn, from the changing of the leaves to creating colourful bulb trifles. There’s still so much joy you can get out of your garden, as we prepare for shorter days and longer nights. In this episode, Fiona chats with Helena Dove, Kitchen Gardener at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Helena has a wealth of knowledge surrounding the physiology of vegetables, and teaches us…
  15. Oct 10, 2025 S5 Ep10: The importance of heritage vegetables with Raymond Blanc OBE
    In this month’s episode, we're joined by Raymond Blanc OBE from his kitchen garden at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons. We toured the garden, which is home to over 100 heritage vegetable varieties. Raymond talks about his own gardening heritage, and how growing with his mother and father in France influenced the direction he's taken with Le Manoir's kitchen garden. We also hear from August Bernstein, head of the Raymond…
  16. Sep 5, 2025 S5 Ep9: September: Getting to grips with green manures – with Dr Anton Rosenfeld
    In this month’s episode, we’re diving deep in to the world of Green Manures, as Dr Anton Rosenfeld, Research Manager at Garden Organic explains how sowing these plants can be central to looking after your soil. Also in this episode: Fiona and Chris catch up to see how their harvests are going this year, and we answer your questions on what type of sand you can use in the garden, when not to harvest rhubarb and what…
  17. Aug 6, 2025 S5 Ep8: August - Start with Soil: Why Less is More with Juliet Sargeant
    In this month's podcast, we're joined by garden designer, broadcaster, and author Juliet Sargeant. Juliet has just released her first book, Start with Soil, in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. She discusses the global impact of soil degradation and shares how gardeners can take control of their own soil health with simple at-home testing. Also in this episode... Fiona and Chris celebrate a summer…
  18. Jul 8, 2025 S5 Ep7: July - Discover the accidental seed heroes with Adam Alexander
    In this month’s Organic Gardening Podcast, Fiona welcomes back seed guardian and writer Adam Alexander. Adam has travelled the world gathering heritage and land race vegetable seeds and in his latest book, tells the story of our “accidental seed heroes.” The backyard growers that are doing something extraordinary, championing old varieties, and also creating new generations of fruit and vegetables. Also in this…
  19. Jun 3, 2025 S5 Ep6: June - An Experimental Permaculture Garden, with Huw Richards
    In this month's Organic Gardening Podcast, Fiona visits Huw Richards, in his experimental permaculture garden in Mid-West Wales. Huw gives us an insight in to the the principles of permaculture through his 7 acre garden, as we explore his linear food forest, syntropic planting, and how permaculture fits in with the organic principles. Also in this episode... Fiona and Chris are catching up on their planting…
  20. May 7, 2025 S5 Ep5: May - Grow a new garden this May, with Becky Searle
    This month, Fiona visits trained ecologist and author Becky Searle. Becky has been showing the world how to garden organically via her Instagram account (@sowmuchmore) since 2018. This year, Becky embarked on a new journey with the release of her first book “Grow a new Garden.” Fiona and Becky spoke about what ignited her passion for gardening, the role ecology plays in her garden and the importance of seed saving.…
  21. Apr 3, 2025 S5 Ep4: April - Bringing nature to urban gardens with Kate Bradbury, and a special guest joins the postbag!
    This month, Fiona visits author and garden writer Kate Bradbury, at her garden in Brighton. Kate shared her passion for wildlife-friendly gardening and the power of small actions to create meaningful change. Fiona and Kate discussed how connecting with nature, whether by planting pollinator-friendly flowers, creating habitats, or simply observing the life in our gardens, can combat eco-anxiety and create a…
  22. Mar 18, 2025 Unpruned - A tour of the Beth Chatto Gardens with with Åsa Gregars-Warg
    If you enjoyed our previous podcast with Åsa Gregars-Warg from Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, this extended version is well worth a listen. Join Fiona and head gardener Åsa Gregers-Warg as we take a deeper dive into Beth Chatto's pioneering approach to gardening in harmony with nature. From plant choices and soil care to adapting to climate change, this full-length conversation is packed with extra insights and…
  23. Mar 4, 2025 S5 Ep3: March - Do we really have a problem with food waste? with Tristram Stuart
    This month, Fiona speaks with Tristram Stuart, award-winning author and campaigner, about the positive trends in reducing food waste and his unique approach to sustainable farming. Hear how his cattle are "enhancing the wilderness," and discover his perspective on the global food system. Tristram also inspires us to connect with nature, whether through small garden projects or community initiatives. Also in this…
  24. Feb 1, 2025 S5 Ep2: February - What is going on underneath our soil? With Eddie Bailey from Rhizophyllia
    In this month's episode, Fiona and Anton spoke with Eddie Bailey. Eddie has spent years studying the soil during his career as a geologist and now shares what he's learnt with gardeners and growers through his company, Rhizophyllia. "In my garden, the effect I had when I stopped digging was instantaneous, the following season, germination rates just dramatically improved and got better and better within three…
  25. Jan 1, 2025 S5 Ep1: January - From suspicious strawberry piles to soil health, we look back on the postbag in 2024!
    Join us as we recap an interesting year in organic gardening. From persistent rainfall and slug battles to delightfully late harvests, we've faced it all with a dose of humour and a lot of resilience. In this month's episode, we're looking back on your most intriguing questions from 2024, exploring everything from suspicious strawberry piles to the secrets of healthy soil. You may even hear questions you haven't…
  26. Dec 5, 2024 S4 Ep12: December - Winter Wellness with Rachel Dethample
    This month, Fiona visited River Cottage, to chat with Author, Chef and Fermentation Expert Rachel DeThample. Rachel breaks down how eating organically grown vegetables can have a positive impact on the gut microbiome, and dives in to how fermenting the produce from your garden can lead to better nutrition and a stronger connection to nature. “We’re a no dig garden, all organic” says Rachel, “so we’re constantly…
  27. Nov 1, 2024 S4 Ep11: November: How Beth Chatto's Plants and Gardens continues a legacy - with Åsa Gregers-Warg
    This month, Fiona meets Åsa Gregers-Warg, head gardener at Beth Chatto Plants and Gardens. They tour the gardens, and reflect on Beth Chatto’s legacy, discussing how we can adapt our gardens to promote resilience and withstand changing environmental conditions. “We haven't used any herbicides or pesticides for the last few years. And we all have to be water wise these days as well. It started off with the gravel…
  28. Oct 1, 2024 S4 Ep10: October: What is a resilient garden? With Sally Morgan
    It's safe to say the weather has been incredibly unusual this year. A wet cold spring was followed by a slug-filled summer. And here in the Midlands, we’ve already experienced our first frosts! Sally Morgan, author of the Resilient Garden Handbook , has been tackling these challenges head on. She speaks with Fiona about what makes a resilient garden, and how we can overcome unusual growing conditions. “We’re…
  29. Sep 1, 2024 S4 Ep9: September: It’s time to embrace the dark! – with Nick Dunn
    As the nights draw in, Chris sits down with Nick Dunn, professor of urban design at Lancaster University. Nick is also the founding director of the Dark Design Lab, exploring the impacts of nocturnal activity on nature. Nick enlightens us about the role darkness plays in our gardens and artificial light's impact on the wider environment. “What light pollution basically does is it alters the way plants and animals…
  30. Aug 1, 2024 S4 Ep8: August - The pesticide problem with Nick Mole, PAN UK
    Fiona chats with Nick Mole, Policy Officer from the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) UK who shares why pesticides should be banned from use in our urban spaces, and how communities can be affected by pesticide use. “Knowing that there are alternatives to pesticides that do work, pesticide use in our towns and cities is completely unnecessary. France has banned the use of all non-agricultural pesticides. They have…
  31. Jul 1, 2024 S4 Ep7: July - Ditch the plastic this Plastic Free July with Sally Nex
    What do bed sheets, hessian and bacteria have in common? They might help us reduce the amount of plastic we use in our veg plots! Award-winning author, gardener, peat- and plastic-free advocate Sally Nex shares fascinating advice for reducing, reusing and recycling the 500 million pots, seed trays, and other bits of plastic we get through in our gardens every year in the UK. “When we chip a pot and it goes directly…
  32. Jun 3, 2024 S4 Ep6: June - How to be water wise with Jo Osbourn and Sally Morgan
    We’ve got a double bill this month to help you save more water in your garden over the summer. We’re joined by Jo Osborn from the charity Waterwise – who tells us that in England alone, we face a potential water deficit of close to 5,000 million litres of water every day by 2050. She shares how crucial it’s we conserve more of it in our homes and gardens. And climate change gardening guru Sally Morgan talks…
  33. May 1, 2024 S4 Ep5: May - A trip down memory lane to Barnsdale with Nick Hamilton
    In this month’s Organic Gardening Podcast, Chris Collins chats to Nick Hamilton – son of organic gardening pioneer Geoff Hamilton – and finds out more about his gardening journey and life at his beloved Barnsdale Gardens. We’ve always had a close relationship with the gardens and Nick, a former Garden Organic trustee, and shared many planting schemes and plant cuttings over the years. Our ‘Paradise Garden’ (now…
  34. Apr 1, 2024 S4 Ep4: April - How to grow pulses with Josiah Meldrum
    Chris Collins chats to Josiah Meldrum, co-founder and owner of Hodemedods, about growing beans and pulses in the UK climate. Josiah explains how Hodemedods works with British farmers to supply pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, in as sustainable way as possible and often using organic methods. He shares some varieties that can grow well in our gardens and how they grow more unusual crops such as chickpeas and…
  35. Mar 5, 2024 S4 Ep3: March - The ultimate guide to composting with David Garrett
    To celebrate Food Waste Action Week (18-24 March), Chris Collins and David Garrett join Fiona to bust the myths around composting. If you want to know how, why and what to compost this is a must-listen. David, our head of knowledge transfer at Garden Organic, shares the reasons he loves compost, and talks through the different composting systems at our organic demonstration garden, and how to use them. “We're…
  36. Feb 2, 2024 S4 Ep2: February - The wonders of wetlands with Simon Rose from the WWT
    Our CEO Fiona Taylor visits Slimbridge to chat to Simon Rose from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) about ways to create similar habitats in your growing space. With 75 per cent of wetlands in the UK lost in the last 300 years, Fiona explores the importance of urban bluescapes and bogs as a homes for wildlife. “Wetlands are really rich in wildlife – in fact 40 per cent of the world's species are reliant in some…
  37. Jan 1, 2024 S4 Ep1: January 2024 - An interview with the Seed Detective
    Join Fiona Taylor as she chats to Adam Alexander, aka the Seed Detective.
  38. Dec 1, 2023 S3 Ep12: December - Bring back the butterflies
    Our guest this month is Anthony McCluskey from Butterfly Conservation, who shares some fascinating advice about how to support butterflies and caterpillars in your growing space. We chat to Butterfly Conservation’s urban butterfly project officer about the importance of attracting more butterflies and nighttime pollinators such as moths. And he provides some brilliant advice on things you can plant and do in your…
  39. Nov 15, 2023 S3 Ep11: November - How the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is tackling climate change
    In this month’s podcast, Chris hops across the border to visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to learn more about its conservation work. He chats to Kirsty Wilson, herbaceous supervisor at the botanic gardens, to discover more about its 350-year-old living collection of plants and its research projects. Kirsty, a presenter on BBC Scotland’s Beechgrove Garden , explains the steps the garden is taking to help…
  40. Oct 10, 2023 S3 Ep10: October - Pam The Jam shares her preserving secrets
    In this month’s podcast, we chat to Pam ‘The Jam’ Corbin about making seasonal jams and chutneys from homegrown produce. As the UK's leading expert on preserving, Pam shares some of her best-kept preserving secrets in October’s Organic Gardening Podcast. Pam cemented her reputation as a preserving expert at Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s River Cottage. And in her latest book, Pam the Jam: The Book of Preserves , she…
  41. Sep 14, 2023 S3 Ep9: September - Sustainability in action in Wales
    In this month’s podcast, Fiona chats to environmentalist Jane Davidson – our new Vice President - about the impact of climate change on her life and her gardening. In a fascinating discussion for our September Organic Gardening Podcast, the former Welsh Government minister shares her organic gardening trials and triumphs in North Pembrokeshire, and the importance of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act,…
  42. Aug 4, 2023 S3 Ep8: The gluts and the glory!
    This month’s delicious Organic Gardening Podcast offers 50-minutes of organic gardening advice and growing stories from our experts at the height of the harvest. The August garden might be bursting at the seams but now’s a great time to be planning for next year. Chris and Fiona chat about growing potatoes for a Christmas crop and planting for the hunger gap in early spring. And discuss protecting your soil over…
  43. Jul 17, 2023 Unpruned - Jack Wallington: A Greener Life
    In this unpruned episode of the Organic Gardening Podcast, Sarah Brown sits down for a chat with ecological grower and garden designer Jack Wallington about his book, A Greener Life. Whether you're a seasoned gardener seeking to deepen your understanding of sustainable practices or a beginner eager to embark on a greener gardening journey, prepare to be inspired as Jack imparts his wisdom, revealing his secrets to…
  44. Jul 5, 2023 S3 Ep7: July - Climate change ready gardening
    In this month’s podcast, our Head Gardener Emma O’Neill gives us a backstage tour of her brilliant Backyard Biodiversity show garden at Gardeners’ World Live – and the take aways to use in your own garden. Emma talks to Fiona about the climate-change focus of the silver award-winning garden, which gave gardeners inspiring ideas to help their garden better withstand drought and flooding. She shares the benefits of…
  45. Jun 15, 2023 S3 Ep6: June - How to build a community garden
    In this month’s podcast, Chris Collins chats to the ‘Banksy of Veg’ - food and gardening activist Sara Venn – about the importance of community gardening. The founder of Incredible Edible Bristol talks us through her journey into gardening and how she realised eco-friendly, organic gardening was the right route. “I learnt there's an awful lot of horticulture that isn't very good for the planet,” she says. “There's…
  46. May 5, 2023 S3 Ep5: May - The critical value of gardens to wildlife survival
    Our gardens and growing spaces have never been more important as biodiversity declines. Listen to our fascinating conversation with wildlife gardening pioneer Chris Baines as he discusses the “wildlife revolution” in our gardens and the sea-change in attitudes towards incorporating nature-friendly habitats and techniques. “Gardens made a big, positive difference [to wildlife] once people started to see them as a…
  47. Apr 13, 2023 S3 Ep4: April – A deep dive in to the cut flower industry
    In this Cut Flower Special of The Organic Gardening Podcast, Sarah Brown chats with Jo Wright from Flowers from the Farm and Debbie Scott, from East Lothian Flower Farm, as they share their experience of growing cut flowers organically, offering valuable insights into the benefits of supporting local flower growers. “Growing organic flowers made complete sense as we think about what we do very carefully," says Jo.…
  48. Mar 16, 2023 S3 Ep3: March - No sprays and no dig on a visit to Kew
    The first day of spring is here and we’re starting to sow the seeds of the gardening year. Chris Collins pays a visit to Richard Wilford at Kew Gardens where he talks about tackling pests and reducing digging. “Our tolerance of pests has changed,” says Richard. “You’ve just got to accept the fact you’re going getting some aphids sometimes, and not get your sprayer out every time you see one. Allow the garden…
  49. Feb 7, 2023 S3 Ep2: February - We’re dreaming of a colourful summer garden!
    Spring is just around the corner and our Organic Gardening Podcast team are sharing their excitement at the gardening year ahead. Our head of horticulture Chris Collins chats to Fiona about his love of hardy annual flowers. He discusses how to prepare ahead and get the ground ready, and what to sow for a fabulous display in the summer. At his allotment, he’s making new plants from old by lifting and dividing…
  50. Jan 9, 2023 S3 Ep1: January - Even garden pests deserve a meal! How to grow with nature, not against it.
    “Everyone deserves a meal” is one of the mottos of organic gardener Sarah Mead as she tackles garden pests – and is the thread running through this month’s podcast. Fiona takes a tour of Sarah’s beautiful, Soil Association-certified organic garden at Yeo Valley dairy farm in Blagdon, and find out how she works alongside wildlife rather than trying to eradicate pests. “It’s critical to leave things alone so you…
  51. Dec 2, 2022 S2 Ep49: December - Trials, triumphs and the power of produce preservation
    The podcast team are looking back on 2022 in December’s episode, chatting about their triumphs and trials – and what’s on their Christmas wishlist.
  52. Nov 2, 2022 S2 Ep48: November - taking a worm's eye view of autumn
    We get up close to our soil in this month’s Organic Gardening Podcast with a fascinating discussion about protecting soil over winter, warming up wormeries and creating veganic compost. Fiona joins Chris Collins to share details of her trip to a new compost demonstration site in Cumbria. And discusses how she looks after her wormery in winter to protect her worms and make the most of her vermicompost. And we learn…
  53. Oct 1, 2022 S2 Ep47: October - rampant squashes, late colour and bumper chilli harvests; autumn has definitely arrived.
    Chris and Fiona share their highlights for the start of autumn, and what will be keeping them busy this month. Chris chats to Stephanie Slater, Founder and CEO of charity School Food Matters, and the team help out with queries on splitting tomatoes, No Dig green manures and organic playing field maintenance.
  54. Sep 2, 2022 S2 Ep46: Organic September - How to plan, plant and nurture your garden after the heatwave
    Shoes filled with dust, salads shrivelling, and a bad case of watering can elbow - it’s certainly been one of the most challenging summers for gardeners!
  55. Aug 1, 2022 S2 Ep45: August - Organic Allotment Special with Rekha Mistry
    This month sees the return of the National Allotment Week, an initiative let by the National Allotment Society, so we’ve got an allotment special for you. Chris and Fiona chat about life on what's happening on Chris's allotment, Fiona is treated to a tour around Rekha Mistry's allotment, and Anton and Chris help with some tricky allotment challenges
  56. Jul 1, 2022 S2 Ep44: July - time to take it easy?
    July is here and it's time to take your foot of the gas a little. But not too much - there's still plenty to do! Chris updates Fiona on his allotment and shares his approach to planting, influenced by years of working in parks. They also touch on the different summer growing conditions in Chris’s London home compared to his training days in Scotland. As Chris and Fiona both pack their bags for a holiday, they…
  57. Jun 1, 2022 S2 Ep43: June – can we convince you to love your slugs…?!
    Chris & Fiona chat about planting out, feeding and weeding. We hear learn all about slugs, plus answer questions on durable lawns, what to do with excessive grass clippings and planning to grow throughout autumn and winter.
  58. May 1, 2022 S2 Ep42: May – Marvellous May has finally arrived!
    Join new presenter, Garden Organic CEO Fiona Taylor, as she shares her love of May with Chris. Plus Chris takes a trip to the beautiful Mumbles on the Gower Peninsula to meet Gardeners World presenter and long-time Garden Organic member, Sue Kent, who shows him round her inspirational tiered organic garden.
  59. Mar 31, 2022 S2 Ep41: April - it's that exciting time again. Join us as we get outside for Springtime growing.
    We discuss success with seedlings, growing salads on a patio, and should we call slugs pests? Plus a visit to a very special healing garden.
  60. Mar 20, 2022 S2 Ep40: Unpruned - can you recognise your favourite garden bird songs?
    Have you always wanted to tell your blackbird from your thrush? Join Sarah as she listens and learns how to identify our favourite garden bird song.
  61. Mar 1, 2022 S2 Ep39: March - the beauty of birdsong, plus how to get ready for the growing season
    It's too early to sow outdoors, but now is the perfect time to get your soil in top shape before the growing season. Bird lovers get a rare treat as RSPB's Adrian Thomas explains why and how birds sing. Prepare to be ravished.
  62. Feb 18, 2022 S2 Ep38: Unpruned: a private tour of Debs Goodenough's garden
    Creating and maintaining public gardens is Deb's skill. But here we get the chance to see what her own garden is like, as she and Chris walk and discuss those tips that make an organic garden so special.
  63. Feb 1, 2022 S2 Ep37: February - successful seed sowing plus Debs Goodenough, gardener to Prince Charles.
    Step by step to successful seed sowing. And we hear from former Head Gardener and organic grower, Debs Goodenough.
  64. Jan 16, 2022 S2 Ep36: Unpruned: discovering creatures in your soil
    We look at the wildlife in your soil. How much do you know about earthworms and moles?
  65. Jan 1, 2022 S2 Ep35: January - the secret of good soil.
    Discover what makes good soil. It's the secret of successful growing!
  66. Dec 3, 2021 S2 Ep34: December: how to grow the perfect Brussel sprout, plus Helen Browning's organic farm
    Join us, as we visit Browning's organic farm, and share ideas for Xmas gardening presents.
  67. Nov 1, 2021 S2 Ep33: November - climate change gardening plus the wonderful world of bees
    How can gardeners can mitigate climate change? And looking at bees with new eyes, with specialist Jean Vernon.
  68. Oct 15, 2021 S2 Ep32: Unpruned interview - George Anderson in his garden
    Join Chris and George as they stroll around George's much loved Edinburgh garden, full of rare varieties.
  69. Sep 30, 2021 S2 Ep31: October - joyful autumn tasks plus George Anderson, doyen of Scottish gardening
    As autumn sets in there's plenty to do. Plus a lifetime of gardening with the irrepressible George Anderson, and what to do with all those green tomatoes!
  70. Sep 1, 2021 S2 Ep30: September - Dave Goulson talks about Silent Earth: an insect apocalypse.
    What can we gardeners do to prevent insect disaster? Plus tips on storing your harvest, bare root planting and celebrating Organic September.
  71. Aug 8, 2021 S2 Ep29: Nematodes and others - our practical guide to bio controls and stimulants
    Following last week's look at biocontrols and stimulants, we now get practical. How can gardeners use them? And should we?
  72. Jul 31, 2021 S2 Ep28: August - bio controls and stimulants, what are they?
    Sit back and join us for an in-depth discussion on this fascinating subject.
  73. Jul 2, 2021 S2 Ep27: July - how green is your garden centre? Plus summer weed control, and other inspiring organic growing advice.
    Can garden retail become more sustainable? Plus your July jobs in the garden.
  74. Jun 19, 2021 S2 Ep26: Healing herbs from the garden - how they work
    Can elderberry cure a virus? How does lemon balm make you calm? We chat with Viridian Nutrition to find out more, in this tiny goody bag episode.
  75. May 31, 2021 S2 Ep25: June - join us for a private view of Garden Organic's new demonstration gardens
    Chris enjoys a tour of the new organic demonstration gardens at Ryton; plus growing jobs galore in the busy month of June.
  76. May 15, 2021 S2 Ep24: Frances Tophill on Rewilding Your Garden
    Join us as Frances talks to Sarah about rewilding, and why you should bring the wild into your growing space.
  77. Apr 30, 2021 S2 Ep23: May - a glorious growing month, plus special guest 'Love Your Garden' Frances Tophill
    Chris and Sarah share gardening tasks in May, and we meet the private side of TV gardener Frances Tophill.
  78. Apr 10, 2021 S2 Ep22: Unpruned interview - Dr Ian Bedford on garden insects
    Ian is one of the country's top entomologists. He tells us the startling facts about insect decline, and how gardeners can help.
  79. Mar 31, 2021 S2 Ep21: April - the start of an exciting new growing season! Plus extraordinary facts about garden insects, with Dr Ian Bedford.
    We celebrate getting outside with Spring growing advice. And Chris meets Dr Ian Bedford to discuss how we can help stop the devastation of garden insects.
  80. Feb 28, 2021 S2 Ep20: March - simple ways to make seed sowing successful. Plus Mark Lane, an inspirational garden designer.
    We show how to make every seed-sowing successful. Mark shares with us his design secrets and his plans to put 'ability' into 'disability'.
  81. Jan 31, 2021 S2 Ep19: February - feeling good during winter lockdown, plus Danny Clarke, The Instant Gardener
    We share our tips to lift you from lockdown gloom and Chris meets Danny Clarke, a ray of welcome sunshine.
  82. Jan 2, 2021 S2 Ep18: January - planning for your growing year, plus lockdown gardening.
    How to plan this year's veg patch. We also hear from two growers new to gardening during lockdown.
  83. Dec 1, 2020 S2 Ep17: December - the best of bare root planting, and gardening inspiration from Don Murray, Garden Organic's new Director of Horticulture
    Join Chris and Sarah in our award winning podcast for tips and advice on organic growing.
  84. Nov 15, 2020 S2 Ep16: Unpruned interview - Tony Kirkham, Head of Arboriculture at Kew
    Join us for the full interview with Tony, his life in trees, and special planting and tree care advice.
  85. Nov 1, 2020 S2 Ep15: November - the joy of trees with Tony Kirkham at Kew, plus this month's jobs preparing for winter.
    Organic growing tips from your favourite gardening podcasters - Chris Collins and Sarah Brown. Nominated as 2020 gardening podcast of the year.
  86. Sep 30, 2020 S2 Ep14: October - the joys of autumn tasks and we get serious about pesticides.
    Practical organic gardening advice - from making leafmould, to saving seeds and planting bulbs. Plus a serious look at the dangers of pesticides.
  87. Sep 1, 2020 S2 Ep13: September - Chris talks to garden historian, Caroline Holmes, & we share tips for new growers to keep the interest through the autumn
    This month we cover a range of topics from houseplants to dung, Monet's garden to woodlice!
  88. Jul 31, 2020 S2 Ep12: August - our summer special includes a chat with Mark Diacono, of Otter Farm and River Cottage fame.
    Chris meets Mark Diacono, and the two old friends chat about the joys and frustrations of working with tv crews, how to grow pecan nuts, and Mark's delicious new cookbook Sour
  89. Jul 17, 2020 S2 Ep11: Unpruned interview - Jekka McVicar, Queen of Herbs
    Join Chris as he and Jekka walk around her herb farm. This is for real herb lovers - with over 70 different sorts of thyme, other exotic delights, and how Jekka grows her healthy plants.
  90. Jun 30, 2020 S2 Ep10: July - we have the Queen of Herbs, Jekka McVicar, plus summer fruit and how to keep that veg coming!
    Join us for a summer gardening tasks and the best organic tips on how to manage your plot. Plus Chris spends time with Jekka McVicar, the glorious doyen of herb growing.
  91. Jun 19, 2020 S2 Ep9: Unpruned interview - Stephanie Hafferty on the organic home and garden
    Join writer and grower Steph Hafferty, as we explore ideas of how to use plants in the home and kitchen. Based on her book The No Dig Organic Home and Garden.
  92. May 31, 2020 S2 Ep8: June - watering, managing summer pests, and loving your weeds. Garden designer Jack Wallington joins us.
    How to water well, summer seed sowing, and dealing with summer pests the organic way. Jack Wallington joins us to talk about his book Wild About Weeds.
  93. May 15, 2020 S2 Ep7: Unpruned interview - Charles Dowding on No Dig
    A chance to hear the full interview with Dowding, when we explore No Dig, how plants get their nutrients, and how to get started yourself.
  94. Apr 30, 2020 S2 Ep6: May - No Dig with Charles Dowding, plus more tips on lockdown gardening
    We discuss No Dig, as well as organic slug pellets, making compost and dealing with aphids. And we're here to help with your garden during lockdown.
  95. Apr 2, 2020 S2 Ep5: Unpruned interview - Catherine Dawson on peat-free potting composts
    Catherine is Technical Director at Melcourt. For over 20 years she has researched and refined their excellent peat-free growing mixes. We learn the secrets behind what goes in the bag.
  96. Mar 31, 2020 S2 Ep4: April - gardening during lockdown. Spring seed sowing, and potting composts.
    A lockdown special, with tips to help you make the veg garden productive. Plus everything you need to know about potting composts.
  97. Mar 1, 2020 S2 Ep3: March - with Joe Swift; how to sow seeds; getting ready for Spring.
    A bumper episode with a seed sowing masterclass and interview with Gardeners' World presenter, Joe Swift.
  98. Feb 1, 2020 S2 Ep2: February - enjoyable winter tasks plus a look at agroforestry with Ben Raskin, Soil Association
    A month for frost protection, winter pruning, planning your planting and clearing the allotment. We explore how trees can help farmers and your own plot.
  99. Jan 1, 2020 S2 Ep1: January - we celebrate Veganuary, by going vegan in your garden. Plus planning for the year ahead, and enjoyable cold weather tasks.
    How to go vegan in your garden with writer Matthew Appleby. Chris and Sarah also share ideas for the new growing season ahead, and get you inspired for those cold weather jobs.
  100. Dec 1, 2019 S1 Ep14: December - the world of houseplants plus a greener Christmas
    Jane Perrone joins us to discuss the huge popularity of houseplants, with tips and advice. Can you have a greener Christmas? Plus top gardening books of 2019.
  101. Nov 1, 2019 S1 Ep12: November - bringing wildlife into your plot, with Kate Bradbury.
    How to share your plot with wildlife, plus making a pond, protecting your plants from frost, and deciding what's safe to put on the compost heap.
  102. Oct 7, 2019 S1 Ep11: 'Unpruned' interview - Lucy Start, aka 'Shegrowsveg'
    Lucy Start - best known as @shegrowsveg - has over 45000 followers on Instagram, where she aims to challenge the orthodox gardening advice, making growing more accessible to a wider audience. She is also ambassador - on social media - for the Heritage Seed Library.
  103. Oct 1, 2019 S1 Ep10: October - autumn tasks and seed saving
    A bumper harvest of Autumn tasks, plus the fun of saving your own seed. We take a special visit to the Heritage Seed Library
  104. Sep 2, 2019 S1 Ep9: September - picking and storing, plus sowing nature's green manures
    Time to enjoy your harvest and start autumn sowing. We have expert advice on blight and other diseases, and Chris meets plantsman Adam Alexander.
  105. Aug 1, 2019 S1 Ep8: August - organic food. Is it really better for you?
    We know organic food tastes better, but is it really better for you? Chris and Sarah examine the evidence, speaking with chefs and scientists with up to date research and recipe tips.
  106. Aug 1, 2019 S1 Ep7: 'Unpruned' interview - Professor Tim Lang
    Garden Organic’s President, Professor Tim Lang talks about food policy. We discuss food security, obesity and malnutrition - and the vital role food policy has in our health, society, economy and environment. Prof Lang is Head of City, University London’s Centre for Food policy, and has advised governments around the world on food matters.
  107. Jun 30, 2019 S1 Ep5: July - gentle summer maintenance, plus climate change gardening
    Summer is here! Chris and Sarah help you to enjoy summer tasks in your organic growing area. We also discuss climate change gardening, and the best plants for bees.
  108. Jun 3, 2019 S1 Ep4: June - watering, pests and diseases, and healthy growing
    The lovely month of June is for flowers, strawberries, and managing your watering. We are joined by an expert on pests and diseases to discuss how to deal with aphids and problems in the greenhouse. We hear about Garden Organic’s inspiring work around the country – from food banks in Southwark to school children in Worcestershire. And there’s everything you wanted to know about nematodes.
  109. May 2, 2019 S1 Ep3: May - sowing outside, dealing with weeds, and No Dig
    As the weather warms we prepare the ground for sowing outside. Weeds - love them and manage them, and we discuss the No Dig technique. Hear also how a large online seed and plant merchant is embedding organic principles into the business - and how they research the perfect tasting tomato, and breed plants for the future.
  110. Apr 4, 2019 S1 Ep2: April - slugs, seeds and seedlings
    Spring is here. We get excited about seed sowing, the perfect plant comfrey, and we discuss slugs and slug pellets. Listen also to the inspiring work of an organic gardener working behind prison walls, helping offenders with substance abuse.
  111. Mar 1, 2019 S1 Ep1: March - Why organic?
    We explore why organic is important, and give advice for your own organic growing journey.
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Page updated November 13, 2026.